Boat Fender Holder

ABSTRACT

This disclosure to boat fender holders for improving the protection of boats and docks against damage. Disclosed herein are boat fender holders comprising a holder portion and a lip portion, whereby the lip portion defines one or more holes that are configured to receive one or more fasteners.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to boat technology, particularlytechnology relating to docking equipment.

BACKGROUND

Boat fenders are necessary equipment to prevent damage to boats whendocked.

Waves tend to move docked boats into docks, potentially causing damageto both docks and boats. Fenders help to prevent damage to boats byhanging off of the boat and acting as a bumper against the dock.

However, boats can still make contact with docks when fenders aredisplaced from their ideal position to prevent damage. This occurs whenwaves move the boat into the dock and move the fenders into suchposition that they can no longer prevent contact between the dock andboat.

The prior art has generally failed to prevent such issues. Boat fendersavailable on the market can still be displaced from an effectiveposition to protect the surface of a boat. In addition, prior art fenderrestraint technology focuses on the storage of fenders within a boat,not proper positioning when in use (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,348).Furthermore, the prior art has concentrated on placing fenders on piersupports, which does not allow for use of holders at positions alongdocks (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,449,917). Therefore, there remains aneed for technology to maintain the boat fenders in such position toprotect docks and boats from damage.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a boat fender holder for maintainingboat fenders in position to optimize the protective qualities of thefender. The disclosed fender holders is generally formed to receive afender and comprises flat extension that allows for the holder to beattached to a dock. In certain aspects, the fender holder defines one ormore holes in the flat extension to receive at least one fastener.

Aspects of the disclosed fenders are capable of receiving a multitude offender sizes and types. For instance, embodiments of the disclosedfenders are able to expand in width or length.

Aspects of the disclosed boat fender assemblies comprise a holderportion and a lip portion such that the lip portion defines one or moreholes to receive one or more fasteners. In certain embodiments, theassembly further comprises one or more fasteners (e.g., screws) forsecuring the assembly to a surface. In some embodiments, the lip portiondefines the one or more holes to have threading for receiving the one ormore fasteners.

In particular embodiments, the assembly comprises a first and a secondmaterial. In some embodiments, the first material is selected from thegroup consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyethylene,polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides, thermoplastics, and polyvinylchloride. In other embodiments, the first material is a combination ofone or more materials selected from the group consisting of naturalrubber, synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene,polyamides, thermoplastics, and polyvinyl chloride.

In certain embodiments, the second material is a material that iswater-repellant. In more embodiments, the second material is selectedfrom the group consisting of polysiloxanes, Hypalon®, EPDM rubber,polyvinyl chloride, and fluoropolymer-based water repellants.

Aspects disclosed herein include methods of securing a boat fender intoa proper position on a dock. The methods comprise providing a boatfender holder comprising a holder portion and a lip portion and securingthe boat fender holder to a dock by way of fasteners received throughone or more holes defined in the lip portion, wherein boat fender holderis secured to the dock. The methods also comprise placing the boatfender into the holder portion interior, wherein the boat fender is keptin place to reduce the likelihood that the boat will contact the dock.

In particular embodiments, the boat fender holder comprises a firstmaterial and a second material. In some embodiments, the first materialis selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, syntheticrubber, polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides,thermoplastics, and polyvinyl chloride. In other embodiments, the firstmaterial is a combination of one or more materials selected from thegroup consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyethylene,polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides, thermoplastics, and polyvinylchloride. In still other embodiments, the second material is a materialthat is water-repellant. In yet other embodiments, the second materialis selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes, Hypalon®, EPDMrubber, polyvinyl chloride, and fluoropolymer-based water repellants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present exemplary non-limiting implementation will be described indetail herein with reference to the following drawings, in which likereference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of an embodiment of the disclosedholders showing a side and top view of an exemplary holder;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary holder with afender;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary holder from a topview;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary holder from a topview showing a fender and fasteners;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of an exemplary holder from a topview showing fasteners without a fender;

FIG. 6 is a side view representation of holders showing fenders placedat different positions within the fender holder;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of holders placed on a dock;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of a holder comprising an outermaterial coating the exterior of the holder;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of a fender holder being disposedparallel to the surface of a dock; and

FIG. 10 is a top view representation of a fender holder of FIG. 9secured to a dock.

FIG. 11 is a representation of a fender holder comprising a lipextension that hooks around a boat cleat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed fender holders allow for fenders to be more effectivelyused in the protection of boats and docks from damage. The disclosedfender holders position the fenders in a position such that the motionof waves will not displace fenders from an ideal position. Anotheradvantage of the fender holders described herein is that the holdersallow for boat operators to leave fenders in their positions at the dockor to bring the boat fenders with them if they so desire. It should benoted that any references, publications, patents, applications, or othermaterials disclosed herein are incorporated by reference in theirentireties unless otherwise specified.

As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of an optionally movable fender holdercomprises a holding portion 110 that is conically shaped with a firstopening 120 defined at the top of the holder 100 and optionally a secondopening 150 defined by the bottom of the holder 100. The holder furthercomprises a lip portion 130 that is substantially flat (FIG. 1). FIG. 1also illustrates that the lip portion 130 defines multiple holes 140.The holes 140 allow for fasteners (not shown) to be inserted through theholes to secure the holder to a surface. In some embodiments, the lipportion 140 defines holes comprising threads for receipt of a fastenersuch as a screw. In particular embodiments, the fasteners are screws.Examples of other types of fasteners include wood screws, machinesscrews, sheet metal screws, self-drilling SMS screws, hex bolts,carriage bolts, lag bolts, socket screws, set screws, eye lags, wallanchors, and nails. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatany fastener can be used so long as the fastener secures the holder to asurface.

The fender holders disclosed herein can be secured to a surface suchthat the fender holder positions the fender between the boat and thedock to prevent contact between the boat and the dock. For example, thedisclosed fender holders can be attached to wood boards in the dock. Theattachment can be reversible and allow for undoing of the fasteners fromthe dock and the removal of the fender holder.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show fender holders in which a fender is located withinthe holder. FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 where the holder 200comprises a holder portion 210 and a lip portion 220. The holder 200 isshown with a fender 230 within the conical area of the holder portion210. In some embodiments, the fender 230 extends outside of the confinesof the holder portion 210. As shown in in FIG. 3, the fender holder 300defines multiple holes 320 defined in the lip portion 340 wherefasteners (not shown) are disposed. FIG. 3 further shows a fender 330disposed within the holder portion 310.

FIG. 4 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the fender holder 400comprising the holder portion 410 and lip portion 420. In FIG. 4, thelip portion 420 defines two holes 430 that each receive a fastener(e.g., screw) 440. In certain embodiments, washers placed into positionat the holes defined in the lip portion 420 of the fender holder 400.The fender holder 400 shown in FIG. 4 is holding a standard boat fender450 within the conical area of the holder portion 410. FIG. 5 shows theembodiment of FIG. 4 without a fender in the holder portion 510 of theholder 500, showing a lip portion 520 and fasteners 530 disposed withinholes 540 defined in the lip portion 520.

FIG. 6 shows two fender holders 600 a and 600 b each comprising holderportions 610 a, 610 b and lip portions 620 a, 620 b. Furthermore, FIG. 6demonstrates that fenders 630 a and 630 b can be disposed within thedisclosed fender holders at different positions. For instance, thefender can be disposed substantially entirely within the fender holderas in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the fender holder can be disposed witharound half 630 a or more than half 630 b of the fender out of therespective holders 600 a and 600 b.

As shown in FIG. 7, multiple fender holders 700 may be attached to asingle dock 710 to protect one or more boats from damage. The fenderholders 700 can be placed at such intervals along the dock 710 such thatthe fenders 720 prevent any portion of a boat from touching the dock710. In additional embodiments, the fender holders 700 can positionedalong a pier or dock 710 to allow for boat operators to approach thedock and place fenders 720 from their boats into the fender holders 700.

The disclosed fender holders can be made of a multitude of materials.Exemplary materials include natural and synthetic rubber, polyethylene,polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides, thermoplastics, and polyvinylchloride. The disclosed fenders can comprise a combination of materialsto allow for the holders to be flexible and resistant to physicaldistortion. For instance, the disclosed fenders can comprise a compositematerial of rubber and plastic to provide resiliency to damage fromcontact with boat sides, while being flexible so that contact with thefender holder does not damage the boat. In some embodiments, the fenderholder further comprises thermosetting polymers or other materials thatcure the material.

It should be noted that the fender holders disclosed herein can furthercomprise a layer surrounding the exterior of the fender holder. As shownin FIG. 8, the fender holder 800 comprises a first material 810 ofpolyvinyl chloride that is both flexible and sturdy. The fender holder800 further comprises a second material 820 that surrounds the firstmaterial 810 and protects the material from water penetration. Thefender holder 800 further comprises fasteners 840 disposed within holes830 defined by lip portion 850. In certain embodiments, the secondmaterial is polysiloxanes. Other second materials include, but are notlimited to, Hypalon®, EPDM rubber, polyvinyl chloride, andfluoropolymer-based water repellants.

The fender holders can be made using one of several known processes.Exemplary processes include injection molding, flow molding,multi-material injection molding, reaction injection molding, rotationalmolding, and extrusion molding (see, e.g., world wide web atmeridianproductscorp.com/index.php/molding; Todd, Robert H.; Allen, DellK.; Alting, Leo. Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide, IndustrialPress Inc.: 1994; world wide web atsimtec-silicone.com/two-shot-lsr-expertise-and-experience/#sthash.OnyStqeq.dpuf).

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed fenderholders. The fender holder 900 is disposed next to dock 910 such thatthe fender holder 900 is parallel with the surface of the dock 910. Thefender holder 900 comprises a holder portion 920 and a lip portion (notshown) like other holders disclosed herein. The lip portion furtherdefines holes (not shown) such that the holes receive fasteners. Theholder 900 further defines a first hole 930 at a first end of the holder900 and a second hole 940 at a second of the holder 900 allowinginsertion of a fender 950 into the holder portion 920. The fender holder900 also may optionally be configured to have a third hole 960 disposedat the top of the holder 900. In some embodiments, the fender holder 900comprises only the third hole 960 and the holder 900 defines no holes930 or 940. It should be noted that the holder 900 can define both holeshaving the same size or different sizes.

FIG. 10 shows a top-view of the fender holder of FIG. 9. The fenderholder 1000 comprises a holder portion 1010 and a lip portion 1020. Thelip portion 1020 defines holes 1030 where fasteners 1040 fasten thefender holder 1000 to a dock 1050. The holder portion 1010 furthercomprises a first end 1060 and a second end 1070. In this embodiment,the first end 1060 defines an opening to allow a fender 1080 to bedisposed within the holder portion 1010, while the second end 1070 isclosed. It should be understood that both ends can be open in certainembodiments.

FIG. 11 shows a fender holder 1100 comprising a holder portion 1110 anda lip portion 1120. The holder 1100 further comprises a lip extension1140 that is fastened into the lip portion 1120 by fasteners 1130. Thefasteners 1130 can further fasten the fender holder 1100 to the dock.The lip extension 1140 extends to a boat cleat 1150 and wraps around theboat cleat 1150. In certain embodiments, the lip extension 1140 is aflap that fits around an object like a boat cleat. In alternativeembodiments, the lip extension 1140 is shaped to fit around the object,such as an oval shape. In particular embodiments, the fender holder 1100further comprises lip extension fasteners 1160 that fasten the lipextension 1140 to the object such as a boat cleat 1150. In someembodiments, the lip extension fasteners 1160 are wires that areconnected to the lip extension 1140 and wrap around the boat cleat 1150and connect to the fasteners 1130. In some embodiments, the fasteners1130 are anchors or eyehooks that connect to the lip extension fasteners1160.

The fender holders disclosed herein can be further designed to mate withparticular types of fenders. For instance, the holder 200 of FIG. 2 canbe designed to fit the particular contours of the fender 230 disposed inholder portion 210. Thus, if the fender 230 has particular dimensions,the holder 200 can be designed such that the holder portion 210 has thedimensions of the specific fender 230. In addition, if the fender 230comprises ridges or other structures, the holder 200 can be designedsuch that the interior of the holder portion 210 can be designed withgrooves that mate with the ridges of the fender 230.

In further embodiments, the holder portion of the disclosed fenderholders are conical. In other embodiments, the holder portion is square.In still other embodiments, the fender holders are capable of expandedin length by having multiple conical shaped holder portion comprisesincreasingly narrower cones nested within larger cones to form atelescoping effect. In yet other embodiments, the holder portion isexpandable to increase the width of the holder portion.

In still other embodiments, the disclosed fender holder itself protectsthe boat and dock from damage. The fender holder comprises a flexiblerubber or plastic material that acts to bumper the boat from the dock.In particular embodiments, the fender holder comprises additionalmaterial to further buffer the boat from the dock.

It should be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” means “one ormore” throughout this application unless explicitly described otherwise.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, usingno more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to thespecific embodiments described specifically in this disclosure. Suchequivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A boat fender assembly comprising a holder portionand a lip portion, wherein the lip portion defines one or more holes toreceive one or more fasteners.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising one or more fasteners for securing the assembly to a surface.3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners arescrews.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lip portion defines theone or more holes to have threading for receiving the one or morefasteners.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises afirst material.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first materialis selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, syntheticrubber, polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides,thermoplastics, and polyvinyl chloride.
 7. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the first material is a combination of one or more materialsselected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber,polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides, thermoplastics, andpolyvinyl chloride.
 8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the assembly iscoated with a second material.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein thesecond material is a material that is water-repellant.
 10. The assemblyof claim 8, wherein the second material is selected from the groupconsisting of polysiloxanes, Hypalon®, EPDM rubber, polyvinyl chloride,and fluoropolymer-based water repellants.
 11. A method securing a boatfender into a proper position on a dock, the method comprising: a)providing a boat fender holder comprising a holder portion and a lipportion; b) securing the boat fender holder to a dock by way offasteners received through one or more holes defined in the lip portion,wherein boat fender holder is secured to the dock; and c) placing theboat fender into the holder portion interior, wherein the boat fender iskept in place to reduce the likelihood that the boat will contact thedock.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the boat fender holdercomprises a first material.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thefirst material is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber,synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides,thermoplastics, and polyvinyl chloride.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the first material is a combination of one or more materialsselected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber,polyethylene, polypropylene polystyrene, polyamides, thermoplastics, andpolyvinyl chloride.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the boat fenderholder comprises a second material, the second material being coated onthe exterior of the boat fender holder.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the second material is a material that is water-repellant. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the second material is selected from thegroup consisting of polysiloxanes, Hypalon®, EPDM rubber, polyvinylchloride, and fluoropolymer-based water repellants.